December 7, 2023 
Toulayna is Arabic for “we took over*.”
That’s precisely what Kent Farrington and his nine-year-old mare of the same name did at CSI5* CHI Geneva on Thursday. The pair topped a 15-horse jump off to claim the 1.60m Trophée de Genève—it’s the sixth time the American Olympian has accomplished the feat, having most recently won it in 2019 and 2020 with the recently retired Creedance.
The 2023 victory might have been his most decisive yet. Farrington stopped the clock in a blistering 34.77 seconds, two and half seconds fastest. British wünderkind Harry Charles (24) and his Olympic mount Romeo 88 took second in 37.08. Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and Bond Jamesbond de hay, winners of the World Cup in Lyon last month, finished third in 37.10.
Only one combination was faster over the short course. Known speed threat Julien Epaillard (FRA) and Cancun Torel Z crossed the timers in 34.24 but leveled a fence on the way to add four faults to their score. It was good enough for sixth.
“I am really excited about my horse–I brought two young ones here with me this week—they are developing so well and so I am thrilled with her performance,” said Farrington. “My tactic in the jump-off was to try to win. I wanted to give my horse a good experience, but it is one of the biggest shows in the world, so I came to compete.”
Toulayna’s groom Denise Moriarty seconded that notion: “I am so proud. She is always game. She does whatever we ask her to do, and does it extremely well. Even at nine years of age, she is a super reliable horse, and we are very excited about the future. She travelled really well over from America, she is very relaxed in general apart from when she is in the ring.”
Super reliable indeed. Toulayna has earned seven podium finishes this year, six of them wins. She has a 60% top 10 finish average at 1.60m, according to Jumpr App.
Now qualified for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix, Farrington said: “I am excited after tonight, but tomorrow is a new day and there is still a long way to go. But I am really looking forward to it.”
*According to Google Translate
